Ashlynn Warta 10/2/19 Ashlynn Warta 10/2/19

Garner Fireman’s Festival: One of Garner's Oldest Traditions Never Gets Old

The Fireman’s Festival is Saturday October 6th and has been held for over 60 years; one of Garner’s oldest traditions.

The Fireman’s Festival, previously referred to as “Fireman’s Day,” has been held for over 60 years. According to Garner Fire Chief Matthew Poole, the department has photos dating back to 1953, making this one of Garner’s oldest traditions.

The festival will be held on Saturday, October 5th from 11am to 6pm, at the corner of Benson Rd. and Main Street.

Join Garner’s Firefighters in raising funds and spreading fire safety awareness. Families are encouraged to attend; there will be games, live fire demonstrations, a fire truck parade, and delicious food.

From Fundraising for Itself to Fundraising for The Community

Chief Poole also explained the reason behind the event. “From when the fire department began in 1952 until 1986, its sole means of financial sustainability was fundraising,” Poole said. “This event helped raise funds for fire trucks and equipment. In 1986 we began receiving fire district taxes from our citizens. With the change in funding, Fireman’s Day began to transform into more of a community event.”

Over the past 33 years, the Fire Department has been able to use funds raised to further the community in numerous ways. This year, the funds raised will go toward a variety of programs: the UNC Burn Center, Jaycee Shrine Circus for Special Needs Children, Chairs of Hope-Vandora Springs Elementary, Community of Hope Ministries, and the Garner Relay for Life.

Food, Fun, and Life-Saving Tips

Come visit over 70 vendors, grab some home-made BBQ and enjoy live music. A raffle will be held in the afternoon with various prizes being offered, the grand prize totaling $10,000! Buy tickets for only $5 from any Garner fire department or firefighter.

Along with games and vendors, the Fireman’s Festival offers a great opportunity to learn more about fire safety and can help start a conversation in households of what to do in an emergency situation. Recently, the Fire Department purchased a house to use as a learning device when teaching fire safety. Take a walk through the Fire Safety House this Saturday and learn about different fire hazards and how to avoid them. The first 200 families to visit the house will win an “Emergency Meeting Place” sign.

Don’t miss this Garner tradition.